8670. All the trouble that had found them in the way. That this signifies labor in temptations, is evident from the signification of “trouble,” as being labor-that “trouble” denotes labor is because it is predicated of temptations, for in these they who are tempted have labor against falsities and evils, and the angels also have labor with them to keep them in the faith, and thus in the power of conquering; and from the signification of “that had found them in the way,” as being in respect to temptations (namely, labor), because “in the way,” means in the wilderness, where they underwent temptations (of which above).

7062. And gathered together all the elders of the sons of Israel. That this signifies the chief things of wisdom pertaining to the spiritual church, is evident from the signification of “elders,” as being the chief things of wisdom, thus those which agree with good (see n. 6524); and from the representation of the sons of Israel, as being the spiritual church (see n. 6426, 6637).